12/06/2021 - TO WHOM THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GIVEN

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And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts 5:32

There was great revival in Jerusalem. The city was being shaken with meetings led by Peter, and people from all over the place came to participate. They would bring the sick and all were healed (Acts 5:12-15). However, the high priest and those who were with him were filled with envy and fear of the work the apostles were doing, so they threw them in public jail (Acts 5:17,18). Poor ones! These religious men were fighting against God Himself.

During the night, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and told the apostles to go to the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life (Acts 5:19,20). When they heard that, they feared, because they saw the hand of God at work. So the captain and his men went to the temple and took the apostles to be questioned. They didn’t know what to say, because it was evident that something beyond their capacity was going on.

The high priest asked: “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” (Acts 5:28). Peter didn’t waste any time and reminded them it was more important to obey God than men (v.29). Also, he declared that the Lord had raised Jesus from the dead and made Him our Prince and Savior. Hallelujah!

Besides noting it was them who killed Jesus, Peter affirmed that these men were witnesses about the words of life. It would be great if all who consider the Master as their Lord and Savior would also testify publicly about the words of life, which are powerful to save the lost. This is the mission of the Church of Christ!

Our eternal Father has made us testimonies regarding these words that shook Jerusalem – and which will also shake the world before Jesus returns, so that all will repent. That is amazing! But notice that we aren’t the only witnesses. The Holy Spirit is also with us, which makes us blessed. We are truly privileged!

Now, talking about something which is also very important, I ask you if you’ve already received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. If you haven’t yet, seek it! By receiving His baptism, your life will be filled with the power of heaven. Those who walk into the kingdom of heaven should carry God’s abundance to announce the good news (Matthew 24:14). Check this verse out!

Your testimony about the Gospel is very important, as long as you have the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, it will be simply a work of the flesh, which is useless. It is essential to talk about Jesus with authority, so the people will understand His will and accept Him. Leave sin and run to God!

In Christ, with love,

Dr. Soares